Trim component for use in a siding system

ABSTRACT

A trim component or strip for a siding system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the component includes an elongated body having an outwardly bowed portion that simulates the appearance of a log or timber. The trim component also includes an integral receiver for receiving a portion of one or more siding strips, such as either a side edge of a single siding strip or an end of a plurality of siding strips, depending on the relative orientation of the component and the strip(s). A pair of trim components may also be provided for trimming adjacent sides of the wall opening, in which case at least one end of one of the components may be miter cut and overlap with the corresponding end of the adjacent trim component. Alternatively, the corresponding ends of at least one pair of adjacent trim components may be miter cut and fit in an abutting relationship to form a miter joint.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the construction/wallcovering art and, more particularly, to a window or door trim componentfor use in a siding system for covering a wall of a dwelling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The art of constructing dwellings or like structures from naturallogs or timbers is well known, and for many homeowners is desirable forthe natural, rustic look and feel afforded as a result of this type ofconstruction. Despite significant technological advances in recent yearsand the proliferation of commercial enterprises offering such services,constructing an entire dwelling from logs or timbers remains anexpensive, time consuming and labor intensive proposition, requiringcountless man hours and a great deal of natural resources to complete.In recent decades, a concern has also arisen over the excessiveexploitation of natural resources, such as timber. This concern hasprompted many in the construction art to switch to building materialsfabricated of metal, vinyl, or the like. Another potential shortcomingis that, unless properly constructed by experts, dwellings formed oflogs or timbers may lack the ability to contain properly conditioned airand keep out moisture, both of which may significantly increase theoverall cost of owning such a dwelling.

[0003] As an alternative to using actual logs or timbers, others in thepast have proposed various types of siding members, such as stripsfabricated of vinyl or like materials, having outer surface indiciasimulating the appearance of a natural log or timber. When a pluralityof these siding strips are applied to the outside of a dwelling or otherstructure in an abutting or overlapping relationship, the appearance ofa traditional log cabin is simulated, yet conventional constructionmaterials are employed beneath the siding strips to provide thestructural framework for the dwelling. As should be appreciated, sidingstrips formed of vinyl or the like are cheaper than wood per unit,easier to install, lighter in weight, relatively durable and generallyresistant to the effects of moisture. Also, the use of conventionalbuilding materials beneath the siding strips (i.e., framed wallconstruction with insulation, an outer layer of wood sheeting, and aninner layer of drywall sheeting) improves the overall efficiency of thedwelling in terms of energy containment.

[0004] Despite these advantages, past proposals for vinyl siding aregenerally lacking in some key respects. For instance, most knownproposals simply ignore the need for separate pieces or strips of sidingfor trimming openings in the walls of the dwelling, such as thoseprovided for windows or doors. U.S. Pat. No. 5,694,728 to Heath, Jr.discloses a trimming component or strip for positioning adjacent to adoor or window opening. However, this trimming member is merely aJ-shaped channel with a flat outer face. In use, this creates theappearance of planking, rather than the true appearance of a log, whichwould have a rounded outer face. Also, the adjacent trim members at thecorners of the opening merely meet in an abutting relationship, whichfurther detracts from the simulation of true logs, which would usuallybe cut to form a miter joint.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention is an improved siding component that: (1)is easy and inexpensive to manufacture; (2) requires a minimum amount oftime and effort to install; and (3) provides a simulated, but realistic,appearance of a trimmed wall opening, such as a window or door, formedof rounded logs or timbers.

[0006] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, a sidingsystem component capable of covering a portion of at least one sidingstrip positioned adjacent to an opening in a wall is disclosed. Thecomponent comprises an elongated body including an outwardly bowedintegral portion. The body includes first and second opposed lateralside edges. The first lateral side edge carries an integral receiver forat least partially covering the portion of the siding strip, while thesecond lateral side edge carries a flange for being positioned adjacentto a fixed structure positioned in or adjacent to the wall opening. Thefixed structure may comprise a jamb member or the side of a door orwindow unit.

[0007] In one possible embodiment, a major axis of the siding strip ishorizontally oriented, in which case the elongated body is horizontallyoriented along a top or bottom of the wall opening such that thereceiver receives and at least partially covers a portion of anelongated side edge of the siding strip. In another possible embodiment,a major axis of the siding strip is horizontally oriented, and theelongated body is vertically oriented along a lateral side of the wallopening such that an end of the siding strip is at least partiallycovered by the receiver. It should be appreciated that a plurality ofsiding strips having a horizontally oriented major axis may be provided,in which case the elongated body is vertically oriented along a lateralside of the wall opening such that an end of each of the plurality ofsiding strips is at least partially covered by the receiver.

[0008] The body may further include an integral fastener receivingsection positioned adjacent to the receiver for abutting with the wall.The receiver may include a pair of substantially parallel opposed sidewalls and an end wall that is substantially parallel to the flange,which flange may abut with the fixed structure positioned in or adjacentto the wall opening. In one embodiment, a first of the pair of opposedsidewalls is positioned closer to the wall than the other and includes afastener receiving section for receiving a fastener for securing thecomponent to the wall adjacent the opening.

[0009] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, a sidingsystem for covering a wall having at least one opening is disclosed. Thesystem comprises at least one siding strip positioned adjacent to theopening and having a portion adjacent to the wall opening. At least onetrim component including an outwardly bowed integral portion and firstand second opposed lateral sides is also provided. The first lateralside of the trim component carries an integral receiver for at leastpartially covering the portion of the siding strip, while the secondlateral side carries a flange for abutting with a fixed structurepositioned in or adjacent to the wall opening.

[0010] In one embodiment, a major axis of the siding strip ishorizontally oriented, and a major axis of the trim component ishorizontally oriented along a top or bottom of the wall opening suchthat the receiver covers a lateral side edge of the siding strip. Inanother embodiment, a major axis of the siding strip is horizontallyoriented, and a major axis of the trim component is vertically orientedalong a lateral side of the wall opening such that an end of the sidingstrip is at least partially covered by the receiver. Also, in the casewhere a plurality of siding strips having a horizontally oriented majoraxis are provided, the trim component is vertically oriented along alateral side of the wall opening such that an end of each of theplurality of siding strips is at least partially covered by thereceiver.

[0011] The trim component may also include an integral fastenerreceiving section positioned adjacent to the receiver and adapted forreceiving a fastener for securing the component to the wall. The trimcomponent is preferably fastened to the wall such than a biasing forceis created for urging the flange against the fixed structure positionedin or adjacent to the wall opening.

[0012] The system may further include first and second trim components.In that case, a major axis of the first trim component is horizontallyoriented and a major axis of the second trim component is verticallyoriented. Also, an end of one of the first or second trim components ismiter cut and overlaps with a portion of a corresponding end of theopposite trim component adjacent to a corner of the opening.Alternatively, first and second corresponding ends of the respectivefirst and second trim components may be miter cut such that whenpositioned in an abutting relationship, a miter joint is formed. Asshould be appreciated, the same arrangement may also be provided wherefirst and second pairs of trim components are provided.

[0013] It is also possible that at least one siding strip may include anintegral portion simulating the appearance of grout or chinking.Preferably, this integral portion remains exposed when the portion ofthe strip adjacent to the wall opening is positioned in the receiver ofthe trimming component. Also, the flange may include a foot forinsertion in a J-shaped channel positioned adjacent to the wall opening.The fixed structure may also include a preassembled window or door unithaving a groove for receiving an end of the flange.

[0014] In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, a method fortrimming an opening in a wall carrying a plurality of parallel,horizontally extending siding strips is disclosed. The method comprisesproviding first and second elongated trim components, each having amajor axis and including an outwardly bowed integral portion forsimulating the appearance of a log or timber adjacent to the windowopening; miter cutting at least one end of one of the trim components;and orienting the trim components such that the major axis of the firsttrim component is aligned with a substantially horizontal axis, themajor axis of the second trim component is aligned with a substantiallyvertical axis, and a portion of the one of the trim components havingthe miter cut end overlaps with the other the trim component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is an elevational view of one side of a dwelling having awall including an opening for a window with the trim components of thepresent invention installed around the opening;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view of one embodimentof the trim component;

[0017]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional, partially cutaway top view of avertically oriented trim component taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

[0018]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional, partially cutaway side view of ahorizontally oriented trim component at the bottom of the opening takenalong line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

[0019]FIG. 5 is a partially cross-sectional, partially cutaway view ofan alternate embodiment of a trim component;

[0020]FIG. 6 is a partially cross-sectional, partially cutaway view ofan alternate manner of assisting in securing the trim component inplace; and

[0021]FIG. 7 is a partially cutaway side elevational view similar toFIG. 1, but showing an alternate manner of forming joints at the cornerswhere the trim components meet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which illustrates a dwelling Dcomprising a stable mounting structure having at least one wall W inwhich an opening O is formed. In conventional construction, the wall Wis usually formed of one or more sheets of plywood or oriented strandboard nailed or otherwise fastened to the underlying framed construction(not shown). The opening O may be sized and shaped either for receivinga window (not shown) or door and the corresponding hardware, and may besurrounded by a plurality of jamb members J (a head jamb, side jambs,and in the case of a window, a sill jamb) that create seating surfacesfor the corresponding sides of a door or window when installed. The jambmembers are coupled directly to the framed construction. Alternatively,instead of jambs J or like members, the framing members alone maysupport a pre-assembled window or door unit U (see framing member T inFIGS. 5 and 6), which typically includes an integral nailing fin orflange N, for covering a portion of the wall W adjacent to the opening Oand providing a surface for receiving fasteners, such as staples.

[0023] In the typical siding system, a plurality of siding strips S₁ . .. S_(n)are applied to the wall W. In FIG. 1, strips S₁ . . . S₈ and S₂,. . . S₇ are shown in phantom coupled to the wall W and surrounding theopening O. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, and in the case of anopening for a window, a first siding strip S₁ is horizontally orientedand positioned below the opening O. Another siding strip, labeled S₈merely because it is the eighth in succession, is horizontally orientedand positioned above the opening O. Of course, in the case of an openingfor a door (not shown), only one such siding strip S₈ would extend alongthe top portion of the opening, since the lower portion would usually beat the floor level (although the situation may be otherwise in the casewhere a stoop or the like is present). Strips S₂ . . . S₇ and S₂, . . .S₇ are horizontally positioned between the first and second sidingstrips S₁, S₈ (or in the case of a door, between the floor and sidingstrip S₈) along each side of the opening O. Hence, ends E₁, E₂ of theseplurality of strips S₂. . . S₇ and S₂, . . . S₇ terminate adjacent tothe laterally extending side portion of the opening O.

[0024] Conventionally, each siding strip S₁ . . . S_(n) is elongated andfabricated of vinyl, plastic, aluminum, a composite material such as aglass fiber reinforced polymeric material, or other well-known materialsconventionally used to fabricate siding. Such materials are inexpensive,durably, and generally provide the strip with an inherent resiliencythat makes it somewhat resistant to crushing as the result of anexternally applied impact force. The body of each strip S₁ . . . S_(n)may include an integral portion P (see FIG. 4) having a contrastingsurface (preferably white or light grey) as compared with other portionsof the strip and adjacent strips. Thus, when a plurality of strips S₁ .. . S_(n) are provided with a shape and/or surface indicia thatsimulates the appearance of a log and mounted in an abutting oroverlapping fashion on the side of the stable mounting structure, suchas the dwelling D, the contrasting appearance of the exposed grout orchinking portion between each strip realistically simulates theappearance of a log cabin or like structure. The strips also may includean optional channel C (see FIG. 4) for receiving a portion of anadjacent or next-in-line strip to form an interlocking engagement. Adetailed description of one version of a siding strip having an integralchinking portion P and a channel C of the type described above may befound in commonly assigned, co-pending application Ser. No. 09/624,672,the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0025] To trim the opening O, a universal trim component or trimmingstrip 10 is provided, see FIG. 2. The trimming strip 10 is preferablyelongated and includes an outwardly bowed portion 12 that simulates theappearance of a rounded log or timber. This portion 12 may also becolored and provided with surface indicia I that simulates theappearance of a log or timber to further enhance the realism. Theindicia I may include a plurality of random length embossments (notnumbered) that simulate the roughened or uneven surface typically foundon a natural log or timber.

[0026] The outwardly bowed portion 12 includes first and second lateralside edges 14, 16. The first lateral side edge 14 carries an integralreceiver 18 for receiving and covering at least a portion of an adjacentsiding strip when installed, as outlined further in the description thatfollows. The receiver 18 includes a pair of opposed, substantiallyparallel sidewalls 19 a, 19 b connected together by an endwall 19 c. Asshould be appreciated, these walls 19 a-19 c give the receiver 18 anopen, C or U-shaped configuration. Sidewall 19 b preferably furtherincludes a fastener receiving section 20, such a fin or nail plate, forreceiving a fastener F, such as a nail, screw, staple or the like (seeFIGS. 3-4). In the case of a nail, screw, or the like, the fastenerreceiving section 20 may also include preformed fastener receivingapertures A, preferably sized to ensure that an abutment surface isprovided for the head of the particular fastener used.

[0027] At the second lateral side edge 16, the trimming strip 10includes a flange 22. This flange 22 includes a smooth, substantiallyflat outer portion for possibly abutting against any adjacent fixedstructure when in the installed position, such as the corresponding jambmember J or the side of a door or window unit U. Preferably, the flange22 is formed such that it is substantially parallel to the endwall 19 cof the receiver 18.

[0028] In use on a window opening, as shown in FIG. 1, the trimmingstrips 10 are applied to all sides of the opening. Specifically, a firsttrimming strip 10 a is provided for positioning above the window openingO; a second trimming strip 10 b is provided for positioning below thisopening, a third trimming strip 10 c is provided for positioning on theleft side of this opening; and a fourth trimming strip 10 d is providedfor positioning on the right side of this opening. As should beappreciated, these trimming strips 10 a-d are all substantiallyidentical in construction, but the elongated first and second trimmingstrips 10 a, 10 b when installed are positioned such that a major axisthereof is horizontally oriented (note horizontal axis H in FIG. 1), andthe elongated third and fourth trimming strips 10 c, 10 d when installedare oriented such that a major axis thereof is vertically oriented (notevertical axis V also in FIG. 1).

[0029] Typically, the trimming strips 10 a-10 d, like trimming strip 10shown in FIG. 2, are fabricated having substantially flat ends, see flatend 22 b in FIG. 4. To mate the ends of the adjacent trimming strips 10a, 10 c; 10 a, 10 d; 10 c, 10 b; and 10 b, 10 d, it is necessary to cutat least one, and preferably both of the corresponding ends of thestrips. Specifically, and as shown in FIG. 1, each adjacent end is mitercut (i.e., cut at about a 45 degree angle) so that the trimming striphas a predetermined length that is directly proportional to thecorresponding dimension of the opening O. Accordingly, when adjacentends of the trimming strips 10 a, 10 c; 10 a, 10 d; 10 c, 10 b; or 10 b,10 d are brought near an opening O, such as the window opening, thecorresponding ends mate in an abutting relationship to form a miterjoint M. As should be appreciated, when installed, the several miterjoints M thus give the illusion that rounded logs or timbers extendalong and mate at each corner of the opening O, which further enhancesthe overall simulation afforded by the log siding system.

[0030] During installation, each strip 10 a-10 d is positioned adjacentto the window opening O such that the outer surface of the flange 22abuts with the jamb member J, window unit U (see FIG. 5), or any otherstructure adjacent the opening. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3,trimming strip 10 d is positioned such that the flange 22 d is inabutment with the corresponding outer surface of a side jamb member J. Afastener F, such as a nail, may then be placed through each aperture Ainto the adjacent wall W along at least a portion of the trimming strip10 d such that it is securely held in place and vertically oriented.Preferably, the position for fastening each trimming strip 10 a-10 d isselected such that the resiliency of the material and the shapeadvantageously creates a slight biasing force that serves to urge theouter surface of the flange, such as flange 22 d, into engagement withthe corresponding jamb member J or another structure adjacent to theopening O.

[0031] A similar operation may then be repeated at the opposite side ofthe window opening O for installing trimming strip 10 c, but asdescribed below, it is preferable to first install one of trimmingstrips 10 a or 10 b. The strips 10 a or 10 b are oriented adjacent thetop or bottom sides of the opening O such that the outer surface of therespective flange (see flange 22 b in FIG. 4) is positioned adjacent toany jamb member J (or window unit) present. Fasteners F, such as nails,are then placed through apertures and into the wall W to hold thetrimming strip 10 a or 10 b in place. As should be appreciated, it doesnot matter which order the trimming strips 10 a-10 d are installed, butit will usually be more convenient to first install adjacent trimmingstrips, such as 10 a and 10 c or 10 a and d, since this will ensure thatthe miter joint M is properly formed.

[0032] Once the four trimming strips 10 a-10 d are properly in positionaround the opening O (or three trimming strips in the case of dooropening O), the adjacent siding strips S₁ . . . S₈ and S₂, . . . S₇ areinstalled. Specifically, the first siding strip S₁ may be secured to thewall W just below the window opening O by orienting it horizontally andsliding an upper elongated side edge portion SE, which includes chinkingportion P and channel C, into the receiver 18 b (see FIG. 4). The sideedge portion SE of the siding strip S₁, and preferably each siding stripS₁ . . . S_(n) present, may include a fastener receiving section FR,such as a nailing flange or plate, for receiving fasteners (not shown)for holding it in place. Of course, no such fasteners are placed alongthe portion of the siding strip S₁ received in the receiver 18, but theadjacent fasteners passing through other portions of section FR of stripS₁ provide a sufficient holding force to prevent sagging adjacent to theopening O. It is noted that a section of strip S₁, e.g., a portion ofthe fastener receiving section FR, may be trimmed if necessary so as toallow the strip S₁ to be received in the receiver 18 b of trimming strip10 b.

[0033] As should be appreciated from FIG. 4, in the case where thesiding strip S₁ has an integral chinking portion P, it is desirable toform the receiver 18 b having a depth such that this portion remainsexposed when the siding strip is in the installed position. To theforward observer standing in front of the dwelling D, this furtherenhances the realism of the simulation, since it gives the appearancethat the simulated logs have the conventional grout or chinking betweenthem.

[0034] Siding strips S₂ . . . S₇ and S₂, . . . S₇ , are then installedalong the wall W adjacent to the lateral sides of the opening O inparallel to the first siding strip S₁. Specifically, the first end E₁ ofsiding strip S₂ is placed in the adjacent receiver (not shown) of thevertically-oriented first trimming strip 10 c, and the second end E₂ ofthe corresponding siding strip S₂′ in the same horizontal plane on theopposite side of the opening O is placed in receiver 18 d of the other,vertically oriented trimming strip 10 d, see FIG. 3. As described above,as well as in the commonly assigned, co-pending application referencedabove, each siding strip S₁ . . . S_(n) may also include a channel C forreceiving a depending portion of an adjacent siding strip to form aninterlocking connection. Thus, prior to inserting the ends E₁ or E₂ intothe receivers 18, each strip S₂ and S₂′ may be interfitted with strip S₁and then simply laterally slid into place such that the ends E₁ and E₂thereof are covered. Any fasteners, such as nails, screws, or the like,may then be placed in the fastener receiving section FR of each strip S₂and S₂′.

[0035] This operation is repeated along each side of the opening O untilthe wall W is covered. At the top of the opening, a single siding stripS₈ is secured to the next-adjacent strips S₇ and S₇′ in a like manner asthat described above. At least a portion of the lower longitudinallyextending edge of the elongated strip S₈ is thus positioned in and atleast partially covered by the receiver of the trimming strip 10 a. Theamount of the edge of the strip S₈ that is covered will depend on thesize of the siding strips S₁ . . . S_(n), the dimension of the openingO, and the size of the overhang created by the sidewall 19 a of eachreceiver 18. As should be appreciated, the distance that the receiver 18extends below the outer surface 12 of each trimming strip 10 a-10 d mayalso be increased or decreased by simply adjusting the length of walls19 a and 19 b.

[0036] It may not always be the case that the particular constructionincludes a jamb member J for providing an abutment surface for theflange 22. In one case, and with specific reference now to FIG. 5, thetrimming strip 10′ may also be provided with a foot 24 projectingoutwardly from the terminal end of the flange 22′. This foot 24 isadapted to be received in the J-shaped receiver 26 of a separateelongated component 28 fastened over or adjacent to the peripheralnailing flange N of the pre-assembled window or door unit U (or asdescribed below, integrally formed therewith). The fastening of thecomponent 28 is by way of fasteners F, such as nails, screws, orstaples. As should be appreciated, the receiver 26 captures this foot 24and prevents it from lifting away from the wall W. This capturingfunction may be enhanced by the inherent biasing force supplied as aresult of the resiliency of the material in combination with therelative position at which the opposite adjacent end of the trimmingcomponent or strip 10′ is fastened to the wall W. Although shownoverlapping the nailing flange N and adjacent to any outwardlyprojecting structure on the window unit U, it should be appreciated thatthe component 28 may be positioned elsewhere along the wall W withoutsignificantly detracting from the overall appearance of the simulationafforded by the siding.

[0037] In a second case, as shown in FIG. 6, the window or door unit Uis provided with an integral groove or channel 30. This channel 30 mayreceive and capture the free end of the flange 22. In this case, nomodification to the structure of the trimming strip 10 is required. Itshould also be appreciated that, as mentioned above, the capturingfunction may be enhanced by the inherent biasing force supplied as aresult of the resiliency of the material in combination with therelative position at which the opposite adjacent end of the trimmingcomponent or strip 10 is fastened to the wall W. Instead of an integralgroove or channel, the window or door unit U could be provided with anintegral J-shaped receiver (not shown) on or adjacent to nailing flangeN for receiving a foot (not shown) projecting from the end of the flange22 in the opposite direction as foot 24 in FIG. 5.

[0038] With reference now to FIG. 7, another possible arrangement formounting the siding strips 10 a-10 d is shown. In this case, only onepair of the trimming strips, such as strips 10 a and 10 b, have mitercut ends. The trimming strips 10 c and 10 d extending vertically alongthe sides of the opening O have substantially flat ends, as shown inFIG. 2. Hence, the miter cut ends of the trimming strips 10 a and 10 bmerely overlap with and cover the corresponding non-miter cut ends oftrimming strips 10 c and 10 d. Stated another way, since both adjacentends are outwardly bowed to substantially the same degree, the insidesurface of trimming strips 10 a or 10 b overlie the upper surface oftrimming strips 10 c or 10 d at the ends. Trimming strips 10 c and 10 dare thus also prevented from moving away from the wall W as a result ofthis arrangement. While a slight gap G remains at the outermost edge ofeach joint, it should be appreciated that the corresponding sidingstrips S₁ . . . S_(n) fill them in the installed position such that thesimulation is substantially unaffected. This may save the worker thetime and effort associated with measuring and perfectly forming matingmiter cut ends on the adjacent trimming strips 1 d without significantlydetracting from the resulting appearance of the siding system, wheninstalled. Of course, it should be appreciated that the trimming stripsmay be rearranged such that strips 10 c and 10 d have the miter cut endsand overlap with the non-miter cut ends of strips 10 a and 10 b.

[0039] The foregoing description of the various embodiments of theinvention is presented for purposes of illustration and description. Itis not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possiblein light of the above teachings. For example, the trim component orstrip 10 of the present invention could easily be used in place of thestarter strip typically provided at the top or bottom of a vertical walladjacent to the corresponding horizontally extending wall. Thecorresponding end of the adjacent strip would simply extend into thereceiver 18, which could be smaller such that only a small portion ofthe adjacent strip is covered. The embodiments described provide thebest illustration of the principles of the invention and its practicalapplication to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art toutilize the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All suchmodifications and variations are within the scope of the invention asdetermined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance withthe breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.

In the claims:
 1. A siding system component capable of covering aportion of at least one siding strip positioned adjacent to an openingin a wall of a structure, said opening having a fixed structurepositioned in or adjacent thereto, comprising: an elongated bodyincluding an outwardly bowed integral portion, said body having firstand second opposed lateral side edges, said first lateral side edgecarrying an integral receiver for at least partially covering theportion the siding strip and said second lateral side edge carrying aflange for being positioned adjacent to the fixed structure in oradjacent to the opening in the wall.
 2. The siding system componentaccording to claim 1, wherein a major axis of the siding strip ishorizontally oriented, and the elongated body is horizontally orientedalong a top or bottom of the wall opening such that the receiverreceives and at least partially covers a portion of an elongated sideedge of the siding strip.
 3. The siding system component according toclaim 1, wherein a major axis of the siding strip is horizontallyoriented, and the elongated body is vertically oriented along a lateralside of the wall opening such that an end of the siding strip is atleast partially covered by the receiver.
 4. The siding system componentaccording to claim 1, further including a plurality of siding stripshaving a horizontally oriented major axis, and wherein the elongatedbody is vertically oriented along a lateral side of the wall openingsuch that an end of each of the plurality of siding strips is at leastpartially covered by the receiver.
 5. The siding system componentaccording to claim 1, further including an integral fastener receivingsection positioned adjacent to the receiver for abutting with the wall.6. The siding system component according to claim 1, wherein thereceiver includes a pair of substantially parallel opposed side wallsand an end wall that is substantially parallel to the flange, saidflange abutting with the fixed structure positioned in or adjacent tothe wall opening.
 7. The siding system component according to claim 6,wherein a first of the pair of opposed sidewalls is positioned closer tothe wall of the structure than the other and includes a fastenerreceiving section for receiving a fastener for securing the component tothe wall adjacent the opening.
 8. A siding system for covering a wallwith at least one opening having a fixed structure positioned in oradjacent thereto, comprising: at least one siding strip having a portionadjacent to the wall opening; at least one trim component including anoutwardly bowed integral portion and first and second opposed lateralsides, said first lateral side carrying an integral receiver for atleast partially covering the portion of the siding strip and said secondlateral side carrying a flange for being positioned adjacent to thefixed structure.
 9. The siding system according to claim 8, wherein amajor axis of the siding strip is horizontally oriented, and a majoraxis of the trim component is horizontally oriented along a top orbottom of the wall opening such that the receiver covers a side edge ofthe siding strip.
 10. The siding system according to claim 8, wherein amajor axis of the siding strip is horizontally oriented, and a majoraxis of the trim component is vertically oriented along a lateral sideof the wall opening such that an end of the siding strip is at leastpartially covered by the receiver.
 11. The siding system according toclaim 8, further including a plurality of siding strips having ahorizontally oriented major axis, and wherein the trim component isvertically oriented along a lateral side of the wall opening such thatan end of each the plurality of siding strips is at least partiallycovered by the receiver.
 12. The siding system according to claim 8,wherein the trim component further includes an integral fastenerreceiving section positioned adjacent to the receiver.
 13. The sidingsystem according to claim 8, wherein the trim component is fastened tothe wall such than a biasing force is created for urging the flangeagainst the fixed structure positioned in or adjacent to the wallopening.
 14. The siding system according to claim 8, further includingfirst and second trim components, wherein: a major axis of said firsttrim component is horizontally oriented; a major axis of said secondtrim component is vertically oriented; wherein an end of one of saidfirst or second trim components is miter cut and overlaps with a portionof corresponding end of the opposite trim component adjacent to a cornerof the opening.
 15. The siding system according to claim 8, furtherincluding first and second trim components, wherein: a major axis ofsaid first trim component is horizontally oriented and a first end ofsaid first trim component is miter cut; a major axis of said second trimcomponent is vertically oriented and a second end of said second trimcomponent is miter cut; wherein said miter cut end of the first trimcomponent mates in an abutting relationship with the second miter cutend of the second trim component to form a miter joint.
 16. The sidingsystem according to claim 8, further including first and second pairs oftrim components, wherein: a major axis of each said first trim componentis horizontally oriented and both ends of each said first trim componentare miter cut; a major axis of each said second trim component isvertically oriented and both ends of each of said second trim componentare miter cut; wherein said miter cut ends fit together in an abuttingrelationship to form a miter joint adjacent to each corner of theopening.
 17. The siding system according to claim 8, wherein the atleast one siding strip includes an integral portion simulating theappearance of grout or chinking that remains exposed when the portion ofthe siding strip adjacent to the wall opening is positioned in thereceiver of the trimming component.
 18. The siding system according toclaim 8, wherein the flange includes a foot and the fixed structureincludes a J-shaped channel positioned adjacent to the wall opening forreceiving the foot.
 19. The siding system according to claim 8, whereinthe fixed structure is a preassembled window or door unit having agroove for receiving an end of the flange.
 20. A method for trimming anopening in a wall carrying a plurality of parallel, horizontallyextending siding strips, comprising: providing first and secondelongated trim components, each having a major axis and including anoutwardly bowed integral portion for simulating the appearance of a logor timber adjacent to the window opening; miter cutting at least one endof one of said trim components; orienting the trim components such thatthe major axis of the first trim component is aligned with asubstantially horizontal axis, the major axis of the second trimcomponent is aligned with a substantially vertical axis, and a portionof the one of said trim components having the miter cut end overlapswith the other said trim component.